I was wearing my favourite outfit: an oversized violet top, tight grey joggers, and black high tops. It was my go-to into feeling confident in myself. I know, it's not the best outfit for a party, but I didn't care, and I wasn't about to feel insecure. Especially, not when I was about to hang out with my bullies. Don't judge me okay!

This was my first invitation to a party. I only accepted it because they promise to leave me alone after.

I didn't have the best feeling about this event, but I wasn't about to not turn up. Why? I would only be the name in their gossip for the next week. Headlines would read: "We invited Pheobe and tried to befriend her, and she didn't accept it." Pity us!

I quickly grab my spy camera and was about to record everything that went down, just in case someone was going to happen. It was bought during the week and came today on Saturday. You see the invite date was corrected online so that it was on the weekend, not on a school night. No doubt so everyone could drink until the sun goes down.

"Phoebe!" calls my mum. "You ready to go?"

Mum thinks these are my friends, but they aren't. I've been able to get away with not telling her about the bullying, because she's always working. There was no time for girly talks or catch-ups. I just avoided any topics about bullies when we had any school chats.

I let myself into the front seat. "You know the address?"

"Jenna Hunter's house is the giant castle, right?"

"Yeah, that's the one. I don't know what time I need to be home. Please, can I have a late curfew? I don't want to be the only person who goes home at ten."

"You think I would do that to you?"

"No, but I just wanted to make sure."

"Fair enough, is eleven, okay? I can't have you staying the night especially when it's the first time at their house."

"I'll be home for eleven."

"Good... looks like we're here... see you soon Phoebe."

"See you Mum."

++++++

"Ah! Girls! Look who has arrived on time!" screams Jenna, acting too friendly for anyone's taste. "I've been worried that you wouldn't make it!"

I was out of place. "Yeah sure..."

My casual outfit was the worst choice that was made. I didn't know what to do because I couldn't go back and change. No one gave me a dress code to follow, and I was pissed off. People should have talked to me beforehand, but no one has, and here I am looking homeless.

"Bye mum!" I say, hoping to change my awkwardness. "See you soon!"

Mum's car speeds off down the street heading back home. We only live two streets away; so, it means, that it wasn't a long trek back. I was beginning to wish that I was still in the car with her. It's too late to backtrack out of the party now. Here I was and I was going to stay until the last minute if possible.

Last minute meaning eleven o'clock. It was going to be a Cinderella moment of rushing home before it turns midnight.

I wasn't planning on getting drunk, or taking drugs, so I shouldn't have an issue walking home alone. It might be my first time out being this late. I wasn't going to risk getting hurt outside as I might want to do it sometime in the future. If I mess this up now, I won't have a second chance to do it with people that I really like.

"Let's get this party started!"

+++++

"Hey! Look whose here!"

Everyone groans and some fake cheers. No one wanted me here; it was obvious, by the annoyance in their eyes. I could spot who was slightly curious and who was not. Many didn't like me, so it was a small number who was curious. I just must put on a brave face while I'm here. Let's not let it bother me because they might like that idea.

I spotted Niall and when we looked at each that's when I smiled. For some weird reason, I was playing along, as if I was still into the idea of The Bet. My turn up was still helping him stay with this friend group. That might be why he was here. I didn't take him for the party kind of guy.

His blonde hair was the first thing I spotted from the distance. His blue eyes are very bright in this light. I shook myself out of the long stare, trying not to make it obvious that I was doing that. It was too late as some of the guys were grinning when they watched me.

I was forced to sit next to Niall. It was the only one who I felt comfortable around. Everyone else was just my bullies.

"Why is she even here?" asked Brandon, Jenna's on and off boyfriend that is always toxic. "I don't want her here."

Jenna was quick to reply. "It's just my way of saying sorry for hurting her, I didn't want her to get us in trouble."

It was as if anyone else would reveal the truth of about my invitation. I couldn't be happier that I didn't know the real reason. I would only feel more awkward and wouldn't be able to play along with the fake friendship thing.

"You ready for the pre-shots?"

"Pre-shots?" I ask, hoping to get an answer. "What are they?"

"Predrinks," said Niall, taking one from the table and downing it in a second. "Gets you hyped up."

One is handed to me. Everyone is waiting for me to take it as if it was mandatory.

"If you want to be here, you must drink, it's the party rules and you have to do what we say," hints Jenna, taking one herself, and ready to grab another. "Go on! Take a shot!"

I gulp, my hand awkwardly shaking, as I reach for the alcohol placed on the coffee table. I down it in seconds. That was my first ever drink being underage and all. I don't know why I did it and I was stupid to agree. My gut was telling me that being here was a bad idea.